Immigration courts are issuing more in-absentia removal orders
Immigration courts are clearing cases faster, but missed hearings and in-absentia removal orders are rising, putting asylum claims and due process at issue.
United States
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Graduate loan caps are in effect. Colleges now decide what students pay
Federal graduate-loan caps took effect July 1, while colleges weigh lower limits, institutional aid and private credit to cover remaining education costs.
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What changed in federal religious-liberty policy—and what remains a proposal
A July 23 DOJ memorandum updates executive-branch guidance, while 12 broader Religious Liberty Commission recommendations remain proposals.
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VA caregiver protections extended through 2028 for legacy families
A VA rule protects a defined group of longtime veteran caregivers from reassessment-based stipend cuts through September 30, 2028, with exceptions.
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Fed says credit-card balances are rising as borrowing costs stay high
Federal Reserve data show credit-card and auto-loan balances are picking up, while high interest rates and delinquency risks weigh more heavily on vulnerable households.
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Maryland lawmakers advance redistricting amendment—not a new 2026 map
Maryland lawmakers are advancing a constitutional redistricting amendment, but Maryland’s existing congressional map remains in place for the 2026 election.
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Senate funding framework would extend deadline to Dec. 11
Senate leaders’ proposed funding framework would keep agencies operating through Dec. 11, but Congress has not approved the measure and the House has a different bill.
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USDA forecasts higher 2026 grocery prices, led by beef and produce
USDA projects grocery prices will rise 2.7% in 2026, with beef, vegetables and sweets outpacing the average while egg prices are expected to fall.
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Attorney and SCOTUSblog co-founder sentenced to six years for tax fraud
Thomas Goldstein was sentenced to 72 months in prison after a February jury conviction on tax offenses and false mortgage statements.
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What the 32-trains-an-hour Penn Station study means for riders
A federal study says targeted Penn Station upgrades could raise modeled peak capacity, but no new service, faster trips or schedule changes have been set.
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Federal appeals court keeps Trump voter-list order blocked in 23 states
The First Circuit left key voter-list and mail-ballot provisions blocked in 23 states and Washington, D.C., as the Supreme Court weighs the administration’s request.
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White House orders warning signs outside Smithsonian history museum
A July 24 executive order directs temporary signs and exhibits outside the Smithsonian history museum, but does not itself change the museum’s interior displays.
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Consumers Kept Spending in June as Saving Rate Fell to 2.7%
U.S. households increased inflation-adjusted spending in June, but slower income growth, lower saving and persistent inflation raised questions about resilience.
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Philippines, U.S. warn against coercion as ASEAN talks continue
U.S. and Philippine officials warned against coercion in Kuala Lumpur as ASEAN said South China Sea code-of-conduct talks with China had accelerated.
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U.S. Trade Deficit Narrowed to $73.3 Billion in June as Imports Fell
The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in June as imports fell more than exports, but the data do not show whether tariffs caused the shift or lowered prices.
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SafeSport’s Weekly Notices Put New Focus on Restricted People
SafeSport began weekly public notices July 21 about new database entries and arbitration outcomes. The listings are not criminal convictions or civil judgments.
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NSF expands AI-ready data funding as GAO flags governance gaps
NSF awarded $83 million for data infrastructure and opened a program that could provide up to $100 million as GAO flagged reuse-rights and cost gaps.
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FCC delays national FM translator filing window until November
The FCC moved the first nationwide noncommercial FM translator filing window to Nov. 4-17, giving eligible broadcasters more time to prepare.
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Federal prison closures put staffing shortages and transfers in focus
The Bureau of Prisons will close six institutions or institutional groups, affecting about 500 employees and raising questions about transfers and capacity.
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Federal approval moves I-5 Columbia River bridge toward construction
A July 1 federal decision clears the Portland-Vancouver bridge project for procurement and permits, but construction is still expected to begin in 2028.
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FEMA reform debate puts disaster aid and state roles in focus
A July hearing brought competing FEMA reform plans together, but no law has changed how disaster declarations, recovery aid or survivor assistance work.
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CN backs Union Pacific’s Norfolk Southern bid as STB review continues
Canadian National will not oppose Union Pacific’s proposed Norfolk Southern purchase, but the STB still needs more information before setting the next steps.